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President Nataša Pirc Musar became a highlight at the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay after joining President William Ruto for a dance at the dais.
Her speech during the national function also sparked commendations from the general public as she spoke about African unity and decolonisation.
In in the 1960s, the world experienced a wave of decolonisation. Yet, in many ways, colonialism and, if I may say so, a condescending attitude towards the newly independent state did not just cease to exist. But there was a way to build self-confidence and assert oneself on the world stage.
My generation, ladies and gentlemen, grew up in former Yugoslavia. We still remember the non-aligned movement of the Cold War era, a large and respected group of countries, including Kenya, that defied the interests of the superpowers and former colonial powers. That spirit of non-alignment was vital then and it remains relevant today. We live in a world where both old and emerging powers are yet again shaping the world before our eyes. All the rest of us, the smaller countries must not just passively observe these developments. We must ask ourselves what about us? Are we ready? Ready to raise our voices? And Mr President, we are ready.
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She concluded her speech with a quote from Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s memoir 'Dreams In A Time Of War': "Believe in yourself is more important than endless worries of what others think of you. Value yourself and others will value you. Validation is best that comes from within."
As the visiting commander-in-chief concludes her visit, here are some interesting political facts on the former media personality.
President but not head of government
Slovenia operates as a parliamentary democratic republic with a proportional electoral system. The President's role, while largely ceremonial, includes nominating prime ministers and constitutional court judges, and appointing members of the anti-corruption commission.
Pirc Musar took office for a five-year presidential term in December 2022 after a run-off election that saw her garner 53.9% of the vote. Her presidential campaign focused on green issues, human rights, and the rule of law.
Like her Kenyan counterpart, she is the fifth President of Slovenia. She is commander-in-chief though state administration powers are delegated to the Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob, who is considered the head of government.
The president began her career in public service officially in 2003 through an appointment to the Slovenian Supreme Court as the director of training and communications.
She received various appointments and reappointments as Commissioner for Access to Public Information and Information Commission through the years until 2014 when she went back to the law profession.
Lawyer for Melania Trump
Before her election as President, Pirc Musar had founded and was a partner at her law firm Pirc Musar & Partners. She had gotten admission to the Slovenian bar in 2014 and earned her law Ph.D in 2015.
United States First Lady Melania Trump was one of the clients she represented during this time. In one of the high-profile cases she pursued for Melania, a libel suit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
She would continue to represent Melania in trademark lawsuits during President Donald Trump's first tenure in office.
Her legal work has been recognised for its impact on privacy rights and information access.
President Pirc Musar is seen as a political liberal, in June 2023 she became the first Slovenian head of state to address the Ljubljana Pride Parade, describing it as "an expression of the fight for human dignity."
Famous news presenter & motorcyclist
Born in 1968 in Ljubljana, Pirc Musar graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ljubljana in 1992 and passed the national bar examination in 1997.
She began her career as a journalist and news presenter for Slovenia's national television station, TV Dnevnik, and later for the commercial broadcaster POP TV. Her journalism experience extended internationally, including training at CNN and internships with BBC, Reuters TV, and other major outlets.
Pirc Musar is a dedicated motorcycling enthusiast. Her lifelong passion for motorcycling has become a platform for promoting road safety, women's empowerment, and international camaraderie.
Having started riding motorcycles at the age of 15, she cultivated a deep appreciation for the sense of freedom and adventure it offers. She has described motorcycling as "a special way of life and a form of freedom," reflecting her enduring connection to the open road.
Political accussations
Nataša's most public political controversy came in the form of accusations against her husband, chemist Dr Aleš Musar, while she was campaigning to be president.
Reports indicated that Musar held assets through a German-registered company, Aulon, valued at over €5 million which was significantly more than the €3.5 million he initially declared in July 2022.
Further investigations revealed that Musar was associated with a transaction account in Liechtenstein, a jurisdiction known for its financial secrecy. Documents from Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital market regulator highlighted his role as an authorised person on this account.
Critics accused President Pirc Musar of benefiting from her husband's offshore investments. In response, she asserted that all their business activities were legitimate and that taxes were duly paid in Slovenia.